If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the savory, melty goodness of a classic Philly cheesesteak without all the bread and carbs, this Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures every bit of that iconic flavor with juicy ground beef, tender sautéed peppers and onions, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and served over a bed of fluffy rice. This comforting dish feels like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy dinners or anytime you crave that Philly magic without the hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows eight small bowls arranged in a loose circle on a white marbled surface. The largest white bowl at the top left holds a square block of raw ground meat, rich red with a slightly bumpy texture. To its right, a small clear glass bowl contains finely chopped pale yellow garlic. Next to it, another small clear bowl has a solid rectangular piece of pale yellow butter. Below the butter, a clear measuring cup holds white heavy cream. To the right of the cream, a tiny clear bowl has light brown ground spice. At the bottom right, a clear bowl contains white flour powder. Below the meat bowl, a white bowl holds thin slices of light purple-red onion. To the right of the onions, a white bowl has red and green sliced bell peppers. Finally, a very small clear bowl to the left contains salt and pepper. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together in perfect harmony. From the rich, savory beef to the colorful peppers and smooth cheese sauce, these ingredients make the hearty bowl shine.

1 pound ground beef: The star protein that provides juicy, beefy flavor and satisfying texture.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Basic but vital seasonings to enhance every element.
1 tablespoon butter (or plant-based butter): Adds richness when cooking veggies, creating a luscious base.
1/2 red onion (thinly sliced): Brings a sharp sweetness and a splash of purple color.
1 green bell pepper (thinly sliced): Crisp and slightly bitter to balance the richness.
1 red bell pepper (thinly sliced): Sweet and vibrant, adding visual appeal and flavor depth.
4 cups cooked rice: The comforting base to soak up all those incredible flavors.
2 tablespoons butter: For the creamy roux that thickens the cheese sauce perfectly.
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Combines with butter to create the roux, the foundation for silky sauce.
1-2 teaspoons garlic (minced): Adds fragrant warmth and a subtle kick to the sauce.
1 1/2 cups half-&-half (or dairy-free creamer): Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without overpowering other flavors.
1 cup white cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts into the sauce giving it that irresistible cheesesteak character.
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard: Provides a slight tang that cuts through the richness.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all ingredients and balances flavors in the sauce.
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper: Just a hint to complement the warmth of the mustard and garlic.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart right in the pan. Season generously with kosher salt and ground black pepper to bring out the rich, meaty flavor. Stir and cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl while draining any excess grease. This step lays down your hearty protein base for the bowl.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Using the same skillet keeps all those beefy flavors in the pan. Melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat, then add the thinly sliced red onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Toss everything together and cook just 2 to 3 minutes until the veggies are softened but still retain a bit of crunch and vibrancy. This adds freshness and a burst of color that balances the bowl perfectly.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Next, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a separate saucepan over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour and minced garlic to form a smooth roux—the magic base for your sauce. Slowly whisk in the half-&-half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps and create a velvety texture. Once combined, remove from heat and stir in shredded white cheddar cheese, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper. This luscious sauce brings the iconic Philly cheesesteak flavor in a creamy, dreamy form.

Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl

Divide the cooked rice evenly between four bowls. Top with the juicy ground beef and vibrant sautéed veggies. Finally, drizzle or ladle over the warm cheese sauce as generously as you desire. Every bite bursts with that fantastic Philly cheesesteak combination, minus the bun. It’s comfort food that feels fresh, hearty, and downright delicious.

How to Serve Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe

The image shows two black cast iron pans on a white marbled surface. The pan on the left contains a single layer of cooked ground meat, light brown with small crumbled pieces covering the entire pan. The pan on the right holds sliced vegetables including red and green bell peppers, and thinly sliced light purple onions. The vegetables are spread in a loose single layer, showing bright, fresh colors with a glossy texture from being cooked, against the dark pan. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Take your Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe to the next level by adding fresh garnishes. Try chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and brightness. A few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add just the right amount of heat if you like a little kick. Thinly sliced pickles on the side provide a tangy crunch that cuts through the richness perfectly.

Side Dishes

This bowl really shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables adds some refreshing texture contrasts and extra nutrients. Caesar salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works beautifully. For a cozy dinner, serve with crusty garlic bread if you want to indulge in a carb-filled side without taking away from the main dish’s glory.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation can make a simple dish feel special. Try serving the Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or colorful bowls for an eye-catching look. Layer the ingredients so the rice peeks out from underneath, and the cheese sauce is drizzled artfully. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or freshly cracked pepper on top to invite eager bites. Serving it family style on a large platter also encourages everyone to dig in together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the beef, veggies, rice, and cheese sauce separately if possible to preserve texture and prevent the rice from soaking up too much sauce. When you’re ready, combine and reheat gently for a fresh-tasting meal.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this bowl later, freezing is an option but with some caution. Freeze the beef and veggie mixture separately from the sauce and rice in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Keep the cheese sauce’s texture in mind—it may separate slightly on thawing but will melt back together when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the components gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. If the cheese sauce has thickened up or separated, whisk in a splash of milk or creamer to bring back its creamy consistency. This way, your Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe tastes just as glorious the second time around.

FAQs

Can I use other meats besides ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be leaner alternatives, and you can even try thinly sliced steak for a closer feel to a traditional Philly cheesesteak. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What can I substitute for half-&-half if I want it dairy-free?

Dairy-free creamers like coconut or almond creamer work great here, providing a creamy texture while keeping the sauce dairy-free. Just use your favorite unsweetened variety for best results.

Is it necessary to use all three colors of peppers?

Not at all! Using just one or two colors is perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand. The different colors add sweetness and visual appeal, but the dish will still be delicious without every variety.

Can I use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice?

Yes, cauliflower rice is a great low-carb substitute that pairs well with the rich beef and cheese sauce. Just be mindful of cooking times as cauliflower rice cooks faster than regular rice.

How spicy is the Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe?

This recipe is characteristically mild and comforting, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or even some diced jalapeños when cooking the veggies for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

This Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe truly brings all the comforting comfort of a classic Philly cheesesteak into an easy, customizable bowl that you can enjoy anytime you want a filling, flavorful meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave that perfect blend of beef, peppers, cheese, and sauce without bread. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen rotation!

Philly Cheesesteak Bowl Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need